In the past decade or so, the American workplace has undergone a fundamental shift. In an effort to improve work-life balance and productivity, telecommuting has become commonplace in almost every industry. Now, even entry-level employees often have the option to work from home (or their Wi-Fi-enabled location of choice) a few days a week, and the ranks of telecommuters at all levels continue to swell.

Studies show that telecommuting increased by a whopping 79 percent between 2005 and 2012, and now more than 3 million people in the American workforce have some degree of flexibility in their work schedule. This increase in flexibility in work-from-home roles is driving the demand for shared spaces that remain a far cry from the rows of cubicles in traditional offices.

These co-working spaces, or offices where people who aren't employed by the same company congregate to do their jobs, are on the rise. In Dallas alone, there are at least 10 places to work alongside people of all industries and backgrounds when working in your pajamas at home or trying to focus over the roar of a Starbucks espresso machine is no longer conducive to your productivity.

Co-working spaces such as Common Desk in Deep Ellum or North Dallas' Dallas Fort Work offer a professional environment with the benefit and support of working alongside other creative and talented individuals. And if you're in the technology industry, it's likely that a Dallas co-working space is as much a place to network as it is to get work done. Plus, unlike your home office where only your dog may be present for feedback, shared spaces offer a pool of nearby professionals to lend a critical eye or a little creative counsel for that project you have due.

Co-working can also be valuable for people who don't necessarily need or can't afford to rent their own office space. Many co-working spaces have conference rooms for meetings or calls—and you won't have to worry about ambient sounds such as your dog barking or milk being frothed for a latte. These spaces may also offer a faster Internet connection and access to technology that doesn't fit your budget.

When you're at a co-working space, you're less likely to fall prey to distraction and boredom. Once you've made the decision to pack up your laptop and move it to an offsite desk, it's like a signal to your brain that it's time to get some work done. It's not as easy to spend an hour lurking on Facebook or Twitter when everyone around you is being (or at least appearing) productive. This can be exactly the kind of motivation you need when you're lacking ideas or inspiration.

Co-working doesn't come without drawbacks, and you'll probably have to try out a few places to find the right one for you. It's possible the environment of one isn't suitable, or maybe you just don't jibe with the people who frequent a space. Once you've done some research, weigh the costs associated with co-working—most spots charge a daily or monthly fee—and whether your budget can support it.

Most telecommuters could benefit from a day or two a week at a co-working space. Even if it isn't a panacea for your work-from-home ennui, you can still get out of the house and spend a few hours with people who are in your same situation.